Boox, reMarkable, Supernote: Who They're For!

This is a video where I break down my thoughts on who the target audience is for the "Big 3" eInk platforms. These opinions are only for note-taking purposes, so if your use case is different, my opinions may not be as valid. I hope that this sparks some conversation on the topic and brings forth many different perspectives. Enjoy!
Mentions:
www.youtube.com/@VladimirKostek
www.youtube.com/@Change-1820
Video Mentions:
Vladimir: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojShqqria2BZ7c&ab_channel=VladimirKostek
Ed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3a1omx_gdlpjZo&ab_channel=OrganizingforChange
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Preface: Frontlights, Color, and Simplicity
04:09 Who They're For: Boox
06:40 Who They're For: Supernote
12:16 Recap
13:16 Who They're For: reMarkable
16:27 Outro
Items in Video:
Boox Tab Mini C: shop.boox.com/products/tabminic
reMarkable 2:remarkable.com/
Super Note Nomad: supernote.com/pages/supernote-nomad
Recorded using:
Sony ZV-1, Sony A6700, Sony ZVE-10: alphauniverse.com/
Rode VideoMic NTG, Rode VideoMic GO II, Rode Wireless Go II: rode.com/en-us
Tags:
#remarkable #eink #remarkable2 #tablet #notetaking #handwritingconversion #pdf #epub #ebook #worldsthinesttablet #ereader #pdfannotataing #documentannotating #annotation #betterwriting #writingtools #worldsthinesttablet #carts1200 #digitalhandwriting #digitaltools #boox #tabminic #onyx #handwriting #drawing #editing #notetaking #eink #tablet #keliedo3 #coloreink #wacom #eink #pen #paperreplacement #drawing #android #androidtablet #googleplaystore #portable #emr #stylus #handwritingconversion #carta1300 #go103 #noteair #supernote #ratta #nomad #notetaking #writing #editing #eink #tablet #lamy #feelwrite2 #ceramicnib #kindle #pdf #ereader #foliocase #eink #tablet #digitalwriting #gestures #drawing #tablet #drawing #digitaltools #sonyalpha #rode

[@rodneywolfe8751]

Thanks so much for the break-down. I've been researching and have been split between Boox and Supernote. You have provided great clarity in the expectation and differences.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

You're welcome. Glad I could help :)

[@VladimirKostek]

I think your point on the frontlight is very valid. A lot of people will write off some of these that have no frontlight when the device is just there to replace paper for you. It shouldn't really make a difference 💡 Appreciate the shoutout Roderick, this vid will def help people make a decision of what's right for them. Well done!

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thanks Vlad.🙏🏾

[@t0dd000]

@@VladimirKostek I have a Kobo Forma ereader. I love it, but I find that I leave that front light on all the time. Mainly because it exists and it does make it readable no matter the lighting. But I have experimented with the light off in a well lighted room and … it's just fine. But that front light can be very convenient. Especially at night if you share a bed with someone. And, at my age, any help is welcome. Another test I did … I bought a Boox Note Air 3c. A side effect of that kaleidoscope color screen is that the white background is now gray. And you know what? I still had little issue reading it without the front light on (assuming normal ambient lighting). I ended up returning it for unrelated reasons, but I am no longer worried that if I get a Supernote in the future (I am waiting for that A5X2), that I will pull my hair out over the front light. It's a nicety that Supernote has stated compromises the design of the device as a writing platform. And so, I champion their decision.

[@ahmedabdelkhalek3489]

What is the point of leaving writing on paper then?

[@brijbalavyas]

Agreed. I personally want my eink to be a device to disconnect from all my other blue light devices.

[@AmberSpence]

The Supernote Nomad with the Kindle App is my Ereader/Note Taker. Having the option to sideload apps is icing on the cake.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Having the Kindle app saved the Supernote for reading, frfr. Maybe they'll beef up their native app at some point.🤷🏾‍♂️

[@MrKooderna]

Wonderful video thanks for putting the time in this, it's well done

[@rantsabouttechnology]

@@MrKooderna Thank you. Makes me happy knowing someone recognizes the work. ❤️

[@fairelyte]

Brilliant, thorough and thoughtful review. Love the structure of the video. It’s obvious you put in the time and the effort in editing and your setup is great. Thank you for making this content. I will definitely be looking into your other videos. Love your style and your take. I have a RM2, a NA3C, a Nomad, IPad Pro and Mini. I have so many use cases between work and home and your thoughts really helped me to clarify some key points as I am deciding which devices to use/keep. Keep it up and I hope you enjoy your KZbin journey for a long time to come.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thank you for that comment, highly appreciated. I'm glad something I said helped, but man, with those devices, you have tough decisions to make - They're all so good, lol. GL!🤙🏾

[@captz637]

Excellent sir, clear precise and informative. You have a real talent buddy keep up the good work.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thanks and will do🙏🏾

[@GuillermoMiguelPerezSantalla]

Just love your videos. You are a great communicator on top of the valuable information you share. Thank you.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Greatly appreciated, and you're welcome🙏🏾

[@Stretch1931]

Thank you for keeping it very logical and broken down for use case. Because, just as if you went to a hardware store and wanted to buy a hammer, there are many good brands and models, but one that might be better for your specific use case. So everyone just needs to weigh what they want the tablet/ebook reader to do for them, and then evaluate based on those features which is best for them. For me, I would prefer to have the jack of all trades, which makes me lean more towards the BOOX family. Others might want the pristine and simple, and intuitive Remarkable, which I completely see the benefits of both.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

@@Stretch1931 very good point and glad someone is able to see the benefits of each. 👍🏿

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

So I’m down to Remarkable 2 and SuperNote. Now to rewatch this video and watch more of your videos. Since I want the best writing experience, I’m leaning towards SuperNote Thanks!

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Np, and they're both excellent. Lemme know once you decide :) Thanks for stopping by!

[@t0dd000]

I am a writer. I bought a Boox Note Air 3C and after a couple of weeks, i returned it. The writing experience was pretty much crap. The software was not very impressive and the feel was awful: felt like writing with a dry erase marker. And then there was the weight! Far too heavy for a portable notebook and ereader. Update: I need to add that ... Boox is onto something great and I wish them all the best. They just couldn't service my use case. I returned it even though it cost me about $100 in restocking fees and whatnot. It was well worth returning it. I'm waiting for the Supernote A5X2 and will try that instead. The writing experience is what matters most to me. If the ereading is "good enough" that will be fine. I have a Kobo already which is an excellent ereader.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hello👋🏿 Yea, if you have an ereader already, and if "good enough" is good enough for you, then the Supernote built in reader will suffice, for sure. If you're a writer, and need something bigger, then I would definitely wait for the A5X2 (idk but something tells me it'll be shipping in the Fall, with the new reMarkable🤞🏾). The Supernote platform is excellent for writing, though. GL :)

[@justjonoutdoors]

I have no experience with the Boox, but I love both my Supernote (A6X2 Nomad) and my reMarkable2. I think your review is pretty spot on.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

I'm sure you know this, but you're not missing much. Features you may never use... that's it. If those two get done, what you need done, that's all that matters. Cheers, and thx for stopping by!

[@monicadomingues1975]

I own the reMarkable 2 for over a year now and I use it daily, mainly for my work. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t even imagine working without it. That being said, I am very motivated in getting the Supernote Nomad. But more for my own things and thoughts and because it is smaller and I can just carry it everywhere with me. Since you own both device, can i have your experience of owning those different devices? Much appreciated!

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hello and thanks for stopping by. I use both devices regularly for different reasons. The device I can't live without and that stays by my side, is the Supernote Nomad. It's great for keeping your thoughts, ideas, and notes/documents organized. So it's good for just dumping information into and getting back to it easily - I love it for that. The reMarkable is a work device for me, where I'm expecting to collaborate or hand the device off to someone else, for one reason or another. It's easy for anyone to just use, so no worries there, and PDF's look the best on it IMO, though the PDF viewer is not very functional. For randos just getting a glimpse at relevant information though, it's great. I hope this helps, and if I can answer anything else for you, lemme know.✌🏾

[@monicadomingues1975]

@@rantsabouttechnologythank you so very much for your time and expended explanation. I think it’s a go! Looking forward to having it! Have a great week!

[@JonDisnard]

As far as Paper and Pen... Pencil. Naw, folks use colorful ink or lead, people use highlights. If we aew replacing paper, it has to ALL THE SAME THINGS.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Good point, and well taken!

[@jakibotham5600]

just found your channel and subscribed. good informative video, not too long and definitely not boring, you are great at keeping people engaged. Ordered the Supernote Nomad and the Boox Go 10.3 as interested in the 2 different sizes but also the different options on them. Just hope I can get on with them and will definitely be watching more of your videos. 😊

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thanks for the sub :) and the complement. I try :) You're gonna love those two devices. The only ones I use daily, although the supernote gets every thought I have, lol. Enjoy!

[@rgsr5244]

Agree! Excellent review. I have my rM2 and nomad. Both fantastic. Just returned the go 10.3. It’s a very good device…but the things in which the Go10.3 is better than the rM2 or supernote are features and things I just don’t simply use. And I do think Boox is inferior for writing in general. Cheers!

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Appreciated, and point well taken. Different devices for different uses. There's not a one-device-fits-all, yet! Thanks for stopping by.

[@jarpaz007]

I was interested that you are using RM2 and Supernote Nomad at the same time. Why are you using two e-ink devices with different ecosystems?

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

I think the best writing experience is on the note air

[@MarcasAndrews]

Great review! Thanks for all the info!

[@JMaxwell1000]

I had the Boox Go and the Supernote nomad and sold the Boox. The ecosystem on the Supernote is incomparably better and more reliable than that of the Boox. The only problem with the Supernote is the painful absence of an A4 size or 13.3" sized screen.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Well I think you're in luck. Ratta has put information out that the A4 size tablet is coming before years end, and the A5X2 will be in September.

[@lucasl1047]

What you mean by ecosystem here? And how exactly does BOOX Go fails at that? Asking to help me decide which one to go for.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

I don't recall saying eco system here, but I do remember saying the Boox platform lacks cohesion between apps. That's due to the apps not having a unified UI.

[@QualquerCoisa387]

Great review. I have the RM2 and it is really enough for me. The simplicity and elegance of it is priceless! Tks!

[@rantsabouttechnology]

It's simplicity and approachability is a major plus for many, me included. Thanks for stopping by!

[@Fasty_AF]

Great video. Definitely well thought out and I appreciate the effort put into it! It's quite clear. I disagree on some points, but I would consider them more subjective. The only "objective" thing I disliked was the recap in an 18 minute video. I think that would be better suited to just be added to the outro instead of recapping only two out of the three options presented. Nevertheless a good video that I can fully recommend to others.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thanks and appreciate the comment.

[@torleifaskedal9205]

Good video! I had the remarkable and sold it. the reason was lack of functions. I bought the not air 3c, but it lacked the feeling I got from RM2. I went back to ipad and notability, but always missed my RM2. Now I have the go 10,3 and I have the feel of RM2 and the functionality of a tablet. I have set it up to upload all my notes to google drive in the same folder as my pc folder structure, this way I get it all organized. When I close a notebook, I get on my pc in the folder I want, and obsidian :)

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Man the Go 10.3 seems to be the dream eInk device for note-taking. Boox OS, reM design. I just got my review copy in today, gonna do the unboxing tomorrow and see what we have. Thanks for your input.

[@torleifaskedal9205]

@@rantsabouttechnology From what I have seen/heard from you, I guess you know what you are reviewing. Boox, too complicated! 2 weeks in and far from knowing all! I have spent most of mine time setting it up for the perfect sync with google drive and also synching.. The thing with books....is that if you are a "nerd" it is the best!!!! I have better screen than rm2l, I have all the options etc... I have spent 50-100 hours at least getting to know the Boox device. Most people will not do that and then for most people the rm and supernate is the best.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

A 100% agree with that assessment. It just takes too much time for the normal, non-geeky person to figure the Boox devices out, and most never will, and choose something simpler. Unless they figure out their UI problems, which could help in this department.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Absolutely! With the webapp, it can be used with most systems.

[@ahmedabdelkhalek3489]

How do you get your hand written note automatically into text the obsidian?

[@monochromios]

I have sideloaded KoReader on the A6X2: it is a game changer for my PDF reading

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hello, and yea I've heard of apps that can be sideloaded, that work alot better than te native app. But it's not officially supported so I didn't consider that aspect for the sake of the video.

[@2Old4Toys]

Is there a 3rd party soft self healing screen protector for Boox so I can use that nice ceramic nibbed supernote pen?

[@rantsabouttechnology]

There are some on amazon. I haven't tried any of them though :( There are some youtubers like Voja at @MyDeepGuide who has tried a few. I'd check out his channel for a review of them.

[@mrma-79]

Super helpful review, thank you 🙏 i especially like how you explained the frontlighting situation. I was excited about Supernote because of its modularity (less e-waste) but as an academic my main uses are as a reader for pdfs, epubs, online essays, etc and annotating those documents. so by the sounds of your review i take it Boox (Go 10.3 perhaps) might be my best best. Do you think the new A5 x2 would be any better as a reader or is the Boox just going to be the far superior option for my needs, in your opinion? Appreciate your thoughts on this 🙏

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Yea, no matter what Ratta does with the A5X2, I can't see it catching up to Boox in the PDF dept. The Go 10.3 would be an excellent choice! Thanks for stopping by!

[@mrma-79]

@@rantsabouttechnology thanks so much 🙏

[@mrma-79]

@@rantsabouttechnology I have narrowed my choice for my first e ink tablet down to the Go 10.3 and NA3. I like the sleek design and display of the 10.3 but I don't like the way the screen seems to flash (refresh?) when I see people turning pages on PDFs on KZbin reviews. Given that I am new to this area and have never used one in person I am not sure if I have the language down to describe my concern but I saw on a "deep dive" video comparing the NA3 and NA3c the guy was able to mostly get rid of the flashing that happened by enabling the speed mode on the NA3. Is that possible on the Go 10.3? Thanks again for your videos and advice!

[@steverolfeca]

Great commentary, as always. My .02 re: RM’s distraction-free, paperlike “simplicity”: paperlike is good, but these devices have to be more than just paper with a battery. Otherwise, they’re needlessly complex and overpriced. So what are some basic functions that every e-ink device ought to have, and why do they matter? 1. Access to time/date, and the ability to insert it as a value. 2. A pop-up calculator. 3. Searchable handwriting. 4. Speech and handwriting conversion to text. 5. Common publishing-related document formats like EPUB, etc. 6. Intelligent organization via searchable custom filenames, folders, tags, etc. Why? Because even a stack of notebooks has some sort of organization, ie; chronological age, subject, etc. If e-ink can’t provide that, I‘ll inevitably be forced or at least tempted, to open my phone/PC/whatever, and lose focus.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

I agree with all of that. Especially the pop up calc, and good organizational/search tools. That would be a dream device. I'd buy it sight unseen.

[@Change-1820]

Roderick, great review as always and I think mostly spot on. I will definitely be interested to hear your thoughts on the A5X2 when it comes out. My A5X offers an awesome PDF experience, but I am not a fan of the A6X2 for that. However, I do like to read Kindle and other books on it. I have Libby, Kobo, and Nook sideloaded too and they are great. In case you don't know, you can access the web through external links in notes, PDFs and emails with a very paired down browser. The only sideloaded browser I found that works well is Opera but you lose back navigation to the Supernote UI. Keep it up and thanks again for the shout out.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hey Ed 👋🏿 Yea, I'm not a fan of judging devices and products on hacks and workarounds. If it doesn't ship with that functionality, then, in my mind, it doesn't have it. Not that I don't hack my devices from time to time if it adds something useful, I just won't consider it when it's time to give my opinion on the device. I understand that the Supernote ships with a browser of sorts, but it's not an app you can use at your discretion, and looks to only be there as a way to show you email and document links, not really for web browsing. I do agree though that the PDF experience should be alot better of the A5X and X2 due to a bigger screen making things more visible. This doesn't solve the functionality issue for me though. Zoomings a pain, the zoom window stays on the screen obscuring your view, and navigating is iffy at at best. The Supernotes do alot right, for some things it's even the best, but it's reading experience isn't one of those things imo.

[@Change-1820]

@@rantsabouttechnology I agree about hacking the device, I never even messed with it until the officially enabled sideloading. I do think they will eventually allow apk direct installation. I also agree that Zooming could be better. I think you will really like PDFs especially on the larger size with trimming and being able to annotate and embed comments. I appreciate your perspective as always.

[@riley6723]

Great review. I’ve been on the fence for a new device the past few months. It’s a hard decision! My usage would be for work aka: drawing sketches,taking notes,looking at pdf’s (construction), then turning hand written to texts. No reading. And I’m all about the quality of a machine to. What’s your thoughts on 1-2 devices to focus on?

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hello, and thanks for stopping by. Because you also need PDFs with your note-taker, and it's for work, you'll need a Boox product imo, at least currently. After that I guess it would come down to color, in your case. Is color a must for the PDFs you use for construction? If no, then the New Boox Go 10.3 would be a really good bet. Best build quality, design, and eInk (contrast-wise) of any device they currently make. I just did an unboxing of the 10.3 that I'll link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aovJfXuJnqeqasU Now, if you do need color then I think you'll have to step up in price range to the Tab Ultra C, no need to get the Pro version, unless the cost difference is negligible for you. It'll offer you the same resolution as the Go 10.3 I mentioned, and screen size, but it's faster, has color, BSR (may not mean much to you but believe me it's a plus), and a frontlight. The downside is the screen brightness takes a hit due to the extra color and light layers, and it's thicker. The former really isn't an issue just something to note. Hope this helps.✌🏾

[@riley6723]

@@rantsabouttechnology outstanding thank you! Color isn’t a “must”, though I’m sure in times it would come in handy. Yet it sounds like the Tab Ultra C comes with a few extra pony’s in the horsepower area. Which I’d prefer if the responsiveness and fine tuned user functionality is noticeable. Thanks again!! I will focus on those 2.

[@dorishsiao688]

I am thinking about getting a device for notetaking, so leaning over Supernote over Boox at the moment. For e-reading, I already have Kobo devices Elipsa 2E and also Kobo Libra Colour. However the note taking functions in Kobo are very limited. One of my questions is whether people use different sized Supernote, once the large ones come out - I've read on reddit that sometimes when the documents sync there are sync conflicts and different versions of the file get saved. I am about to watch your other review to delve more deeply into the functions of Supernote.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Thank you for stopping by. The Supernote is the device I think that would serve you best. It has a terrible reader app, but since you have other ereaders for that, I can't suggest the Supernote enough. The size issue is a real sticking point right now though. Without the most common size (10.3") available, it puts people who want to buy that size in a awkward position, since Ratta does not currently sell a 10.3" device. I cansize that works for what I was looking for at the time. But, man, I do wish I also have a bigger Supernote for times when I nee't attest to the syncing issues, but I'm sure people have found workarounds cause these crafty Supernote users will find a way to get that device working how they want it to. Good luck and let me know if you need anything else :)

[@dorishsiao688]

@@rantsabouttechnology I've watched lots of videos about Supernote and I'm quite taken with it. Originally I was considering the Boox Note Air 3C or the Boox Go 10.3, but it might be a bit too much for me to go into the Android ecosystem when I use lots of apple devices (iphone, ipad pro etc). I also considered waiting for the bigger A5X2 but tonight I've bite the bullet and bought the Supernote Nomad A6X2 because of all the fancy writing functionality. Really like the fact that Ratta offers 30 days return policy so I feel more comfortable trying it out. The Heart of Metal pen 2 looks amazing too. A lady also said in her video that it's possible to sync the documents well using the Google Drive, One Drive or Drop Box without conflicts, so if I want to get the big one in the future, I have the option to. It might take me a few goes at learning how to use this effectively though :)

[@rantsabouttechnology]

@@dorishsiao688 Glad you decided, and you made a good decision IMO. I have a few videos on features of the SN platform, all done on the A6X2 so check those out. Also, Ed @change-1802 has some great Supernote-focused content. Enjoy!

[@KeithJCarberry1]

great video, just a note about frontlights. I don't disagree with anything you've said but something i've noticed is that eink performs notably worse than paper in terms of low light usability. in suboptimal lighting that i would call "good enough" for reading and writing are often not good enough for eink, which has a worse contrast ratio than paper and tends to reflect light . I think one of the best uses of a frontlight is to mitigate that difference and to keep the screen away from sources of glare. As long as the device lets you adjust color temperature it doesn't take anything away for me, personally. of course i wouldn't blame anyone for wanting no frontlight, and you're 100% right that in situations where you don't need a frontlight, it's better to not have one. I just frequently find myself in a well lit room that still isn't quite ideal for my eink screen (not kaleido device fwiw)

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Totally agree with your point. I actually wrote that down in my notes for the Supernote Nomad. But it's also true of all these devices. The contrast isn't paper-like, it's definitely worse. I just wish there was a lighting solution that didn't add another layer between you and the eInk display, which is my biggest gripe about it. You have to give something up for that frontlight. Thanks for the comment

[@jacksonier]

6:54 lol

[@rantsabouttechnology]

🤷🏾‍♂

[@CyrilJap]

I use 4 Boox devices daily. The Palma always on my desk for the clock and in my pocket whenever I go out, the Nova Air 2 for quick note taking outside, the Go 10.3 as my daily driver for almost everything because it’s light and the screen is beautiful, and the Tab Ultra C when I need colours and speed, especially for work. It works because they’re all synchronised thanks to different cloud services. I can even access my files on my phone and my computer. Side note: I think you need more light in the background for your videos.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

That's a pretty awesome eInk seup you have there. You have all the bases covered, I just couldn't use the Nova Air for a my everyday note-taker (which is what I use my smaller devices for)... screen too slick and that Note OS is terrible. I could rock with everything else though. Really looking for an excuse to pick up the Tab X, just cant see how it's better than the Tab Ultra C? Thanks for the input on the background. Did you mean the background itself is too dark, or did you mean it needs some pop of light?

[@CyrilJap]

@@rantsabouttechnology I think some light source in the back would give more depth and contrast. Something like 17th century Dutch paintings.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

@@CyrilJap Bet! I understood that perfectly!

[@jeffreytomas6743]

Just because paper doesn't have a front light doesn't mean that new devices meant to replace it shouldn't have one. That's a weak argument for justifying the lack of a feature. The purpose of this device should be to offer improvements over the original. While I personally don't mind the lack of a front light since I work and think better in a well-lit room, your argument still challenges my conscious mind.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

Hello, just because I don't think the omission of a frontlight isn't bad, doesn't mean I think it shouldn't have one. That wasn't the point I was making, and it's not what I said. If you actually watched the video you would see that I say, multiple times, "I don't think it's a negative", but I never say It shouldn't have one. Nor am I trying to justify a device not having it. People buy Supernotes and reMarkables all day every day because they are awesome devices despite not having a fronlight, and they don't need defending... the devices or the people who buy them. You based your argument on a point that was never made - your brain may have already been challenged, sir. Respectfully, of course!

[@jeffreytomas6743]

​@@rantsabouttechnologyPlease forgive me for jumping to conclusions about things I thought you had said.

[@rantsabouttechnology]

No worries :)